Netball NZ Calls for Respect Amid Ongoing Standoff with Taurua

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) chief executive Jennie Wyllie has urged fans and followers of the sport to remain respectful as negotiations continue regarding the future of Dame Noeline Taurua, the head coach of the Silver Ferns. This call comes in the wake of a significant setback, as Taurua has been sidelined for the remainder of the year following a series of disputes. The ongoing standoff has left many supporters of the team dismayed.

The situation escalated when Dame Noeline was unexpectedly stood down just 11 days before the Taini Jamison series against South Africa last month. Recent discussions between NNZ and Taurua failed to produce a resolution. On Saturday afternoon, NNZ released a statement indicating that, despite earnest efforts on both sides, a conclusion regarding the Silver Ferns’ “high performance programme and environment” had not been reached.

Wyllie expressed disappointment at the lack of progress, stating, “Over the past few weeks, NNZ has pursued every pathway with Dame Noeline to bring her back into the Silver Ferns environment at this time.” She emphasized the need for respect throughout the process, noting that the players, Taurua, and the organization all deserve understanding and support.

The issue stems from concerns raised by players about the team environment, which some described as “psychologically unsafe.” These claims reportedly emerged after a January training camp in Sydney, where a group of players approached the players’ association with their grievances. The problems appear to have developed since the Silver Ferns’ performance at the 2023 World Cup, where the team finished in fourth place.

Wyllie highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the Silver Ferns prepare for a series against Australia starting on October 17, 2023. She mentioned that interim coaches Tracey Fear and Wai Taumaunu would continue to support the team in the lead-up to this critical event.

As the situation unfolds, the privacy and legal constraints surrounding Taurua’s suspension have drawn public scrutiny. Many fans and former players have expressed outrage on social media, particularly towards the players who voiced their concerns. Wyllie urged the community to refrain from any vitriol, reinforcing that “everyone is a human at the end of the day.”

The national body has not disclosed the specifics of the issues, citing confidentiality, which has led to speculation and criticism within the netball community. According to Wyllie, “There is no-one, whether that be athletes, whether that be Dame Noeline, Netball New Zealand, our netball public that deserves any vitriol.”

The investigation into the players’ concerns was led by former NZ Cricket high-performance boss Bryan Stronach. Reports suggest that Stronach identified “significant issues” within the Silver Ferns’ environment. Taurua and her assistants have contested the findings, raising questions about the fairness of the review process.

The players’ reluctance to openly voice their grievances has sparked a divide within the team. Following the Silver Ferns’ recent victory over South Africa, star player Grace Nweke made a public plea for Taurua’s return during the on-court presentation. Wyllie denied that any directive was issued to players discouraging them from speaking out, emphasizing the importance of team unity and performance.

The current impasse highlights the challenges faced by Netball NZ in balancing player concerns with the integrity of the coaching staff. Wellington employment lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman noted that confidentiality is crucial for the integrity of the investigation process. He stated, “You’re less likely to want to come forward if that results in you being abused in public forums.”

Wyllie remains optimistic, stating, “Our responsibility is to Dame Noeline and the players, and we are focused on working through those and resolving it.” As the Silver Ferns prepare for their upcoming matches, the organization continues to seek a resolution that meets the needs of all parties involved.